Why DNA Testing Matters in Our Cattery

When people visit our cattery website, they usually fall in love with the photos first — the beautiful eyes, the fluffy coats, the unique colors. But behind every beautiful cat there is something much more important than appearance: health and responsible breeding. One of the most important tools we use to ensure this is DNA testing.

Before any of our imported cats became part of our breeding program, they were genetically tested through leading laboratories in the United States. We use trusted companies such as Orivet and Wisdom Panel, which specialize in veterinary genetic testing and provide detailed insight into a cat’s genetic health.

So what does DNA testing actually tell us?

First and most importantly, it helps us screen for inherited genetic diseases. Some conditions can be silently carried in a cat’s genes without showing any symptoms. Without testing, two carriers could be bred together and produce affected kittens. DNA testing allows responsible breeders to prevent this by carefully selecting breeding pairs. Our goal is always the same: to produce kittens that are not only beautiful, but also healthy.

All of our imported breeding cats have been tested for a wide panel of known genetic diseases relevant to the breed. This gives us a clear picture of their genetic status and helps us make informed, responsible decisions when planning future litters.

But the tests tell us more than just health information. DNA testing also reveals each cat’s genetic color profile. This includes genes responsible for coat color, dilution, and other inherited traits. Understanding these genetics helps us better predict what colors and patterns may appear in future kittens.

Of course, while color genetics is fascinating, health will always come first in our breeding program. The genetic information simply helps us understand our cats better and preserve the wonderful characteristics of the breed.

For us, DNA testing is not just a trend or a marketing phrase. It is a fundamental part of modern, ethical breeding. By combining careful selection, scientific testing, and a deep love for our cats, we work hard to raise kittens that will grow into strong, healthy companions for their future families.

Transparency is also very important to us. We believe that families adopting a kitten should feel confident about where their new companion comes from. DNA testing helps provide that reassurance and reflects our long-term commitment to the health and future of our cats

Our DNA panel screens for the most common and serious conditions, including:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – a heart condition that can be life-threatening if inherited.

• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – affects muscle development, leading to weakness.

• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – a condition that can lead to kidney failure later in life.

Accuracy of DNA Testing

These genetic tests are extremely reliable. Orivet and Wisdom Panel use advanced technology to examine the cat’s DNA at multiple points for each condition. Accuracy is generally above 99% for most well-studied genetic diseases, making it a highly trustworthy tool for breeders. While no test can replace careful observation and veterinary care, DNA testing gives us a solid scientific foundation for breeding decisions.

Why It Matters

By combining health screening with knowledge of color genetics, we can plan breeding responsibly, reduce the risk of inherited diseases, and raise kittens that are both healthy and beautiful. DNA testing also allows us to be completely transparent with future kitten families, showing them exactly what genetic tests have been done and the results.

For us, DNA testing is more than a procedure—it’s a commitment to healthy kittens, informed breeding, and the long-term wellbeing of our cats.